Dolce Vita

Fall has officially arrived now and I am slowly starting to build my winter wardrobe. Acne Studios‘ “Velocite” shearling jacket has been an obsession of mine for several years. I just love the luxe-looking, plush shearling lining, the straps and buckles, the oversized moto look. It’s the perfect winter jacket and just look how fab and cozy all the style bloggers look in their Acne Velocite below. The only thing holding me back to get my own Acne Velocite? The price tag, of course. $2.800 is a pretty steep price.

Pimkie Leather Look Aviator Jacket

Update (11/11/2017): I guess Acne’s Velocite is the trend jacket of the season as I’ve seen inspired versions and dupes pretty much EVERYWHERE lately! Found another Velocite look-alike biker at Pimkie. It comes in either black, nude pink or wine and costs €69.99! Steal deal alert!

Pull & Bear Faux Suede Biker Jacket

Update (10/31/2017): While browsing the new arrivals at Pull & Bear I stumbled upon this faux suede biker jacket which is on sale for £39.99 (retail price: £49.99) and instantly reminded me of Acne’s Velocite.

Forever 21 Faux Leather Moto Jacket

Update (10/25/2017): And here’s Forever 21‘s third Velocite inspired faux shearling jacket! I think this one has to be my favorite of all three F21 options yet. I’d suggest to order a size up though in order to achieve the desired, laid-back oversize look of the original Acne Velocite.

H&M Oversized Biker Jacket

Update (10/10/2017): Discovered a whole bunch of new Velocite dupe jackets coming in just in time for the colder seasons! This one by H&M for $129 (now on sale for $99) might be my current favorite Acne Velocite steal find! A few sizes are already sold out, so you better hurry if you want one of your own.

Missguided Ultimate Aviator Jacket

Update (10/10/2017): Also came across another set of Acne Studios inspired aviator jackets at Missguided again. They’re available in a variety of colors including black, grey, pale pink and caramel brown and cost $119. By the way, US students get a generous 40% discount!

New Look Faux Fur Lined Aviator Jacket

Update (10/10/2017):New Look has super cozy looking Acne inspired faux fur lined aviator jackets as well this season. They come in either black or cream faux leather and are affordably priced at £59.99.

Warehouse Oversized Biker Jacket

Update (10/10/2017): Spotted these Velocite inspired aviator jacket at Warehouse and just had to share them with you. I’m especially loving the deep and rich eggplant/berry version! It’s the perfect color for Fall! Other available colors: black and dark grey. Price: $158 (or £89)

Topshop Real Shearling Biker Jacket

Update (09/19/2016): If you’re willing to invest, but not just as much as the real deal, how about this gorgeous real shearling aviator jacket, also by Topshop, for $1.100 instead? Definitely not a steal deal, but still $1.700 cheaper than the Acne Studios designer version..

Muubaa Darma Shearling Biker Jacket

Update (01/05/2016): OMG! I just stumbled upon this insanely beautiful Acne Velocite look-alike in ivory by Muubaa. And the best part? This beauty is currently 50% off (even though I have to admit £562.50 is still quite a heavy price tag)!

Missguided Faux Shearling Pilot Jacket

Update (11/09/2015): Spotted another Acne Velocite dupe today! Check out these faux shearling pilot jackets available at Missguided for $110.50 in either black or beige faux leather. What do you think of this one? Good one or not?

Forever 21 Faux Fur-Lined Jacket

Luckily, you can get a very similar look with this cozy faux fur-lined jacket by Forever 21. It’s not exactly a Velocite dupe, but the Acne inspiration is still very visible here I think. Get this beauty for as little as $62.90!

Jessica Buurman Swode Buckled Shearling Jacket

Deal: Use promo code XOXOJESS to get 10% off your order at Jessica Buurman!

Of course, Jessica Buurman has an Acne Velocite dupe in stock as well. At $145 (now on sale for $85), this “steal” is a bit of an investment, but I do love the black version, it looks so sturdy and warm. Also available in camel, taupe and brown.

Stuart Weitzman + over-the-knee boots is apparently a foolproof formula for commercial success! Don’t believe me? Just look at all the various fab fashion bloggers rocking their Stuart Weitzman OTK boots below! It all started with the iconic “5050” and is now followed by Weitzman’s next set of super hit boots: the “Highland” (which we have already written about a few weeks ago, see the post here) and the “Lowland” which we are featuring in today’s Real vs. Steal post. Both boots are almost identical in design, but have either a flat heel (Lowland) or a high heel (Highland, d’uh!). It’s certainly not the first pair of OTK suede boots we’ve seen come out in the last couple of years, but definitely the most successful and coveted one (we’re still counting the reader requests for this one). As with Stuart Weitzman shoes in general, they don’t come cheap. Especially not the boots and especially not the over-the-knee kind of boots. These beauties here – please hold your breath here – cost $798! Yup, I cried a little too when I saw that price tag. Luckily, we were able to find a couple of fantastic dupes that will save you the trouble of having to rob a bank to sport this season’s hottest trend.

Kaitlyn Pan Flat Microsuede Over The Knee Boots

Update (12/23/2017): Totally forgot to tell you about these gorgeous Lowland dupes by one of my favorite designer dupe brands: Kaitlyn Pan! These come in five colors (black, taupe, grey, burgundy and army green) and cost only $100 which is a more than fair price for the quality you’ll get with these boots. Kaitlyn Pan were nice enough to send me a pair of these boots for review and as usual I haven’t been disappointed! So much attention to detail and totally worth their money! Don’t believe me? Have a look at the over 300 raving customer reviews with an average of 4.6 stars for these designer dupe boots!

Royou Yiuoer Flat Over The Knee Boots

Update (12/23/2017): Don’t want to spend that much? These OTK flat boots by Royou Yiuoer would also make a great alternative to the pricey Weitzmans. And there are so many lovely colors to choose from! Steal deal alert!

Catherine Catherine Malandrino “Morcha” Over The Knee Boots

Update (03/17/2017): Stumbled upon these budget-friendly Lowland boot look-alikes by Catherine Catherine Malandrino which are currently on sale for less than $50 and come in either black, grey, taupe, nude and burgundy faux suede.

River Island Over The Knee Flat Boots

Update (11/25/2016): Also discovered these flat OTK boot SW Lowland alternatives at River Island which are on sale for $70. I actually snapped this deal up myself and am quite happy with these faux suede over-the-knee boots.

Buffalo Flat Overknee Boots

INC International Concepts “Imannie” Flat Over-The-Knee Boots

Update (11/21/2016): Stumbled upon another lovely Lowland look-alike boot by INC International Concepts which – judging by the customer reviews – would be best suitable for petite women as these are not quite as OTK as the name would suggest.

275 Central 1603 Flat Suede OTK Boots

Update (11/17/2016): If you’re looking for a high-quality Lowland dupe and are ready to invest (but not quite as much as $798), you might want to check out these genuine suede OTK boots by 275 Central. They do cost $500350 which is obviously a lot of money, but they will still save you $298 $518 compared to the real deal.

Unisa “Adivan” Faux Suede Flat Over-the-Knee Boots

Update (11/17/2016): These flat faux suede OTK boots by Unisa are another Lowland look-alike favorite of mine because they look so much like the real deal, but are also so affordable (under $70). Steal deal alert!

Style Charles “Groove” Faux Suede Over-the-Knee Boots

Update (10/03/2016): I think it’s pretty safe to say that Stuart Weitzman’s Low- and Highland Over-The-Knee Boots are officially getting just as popular as his highly coveted 50/50 OTK boots a few years ago! Check out these fab Lowland dupes by Style Charles which I have come across at JCPenney.

Vince Camuto “Crisintha” Over-the-Knee Flat Boots

Update (10/03/2016): Here’s a set of high quality SW Lowland look-alikes by Vince Camuto. They’re a bit expensive at $179 (now on sale for $77.73), but they look so luxurious. My personal fave is the taupe color!

Circus by Sam Edelman “Peyton” Stretch Over-the-Knee Boots

Update (10/03/2016): If you’re looking for a way to save while still be on trend, here’s a great budget steal deal c/o Circus by Sam Edelman. The “Peyton” OTK boots are a great Lowland alternative which are currently on sale for under $80 at Amazon and which come in either black or grey faux suede.

Sam Edelman “Paloma” Suede Over-the-Knee Boots

Update (08/28/2016): Found yet another great Stuart Weitzman Lowland dupe today! Check out these fab microsuede OTK boots by Sam Edelman. They look so much like the real deal, don’t you think? Available in black or grey for $175.

Charles by Charles David “Gunter” Over the Knee Boots

Update (08/28/2016): And here’s another great Lowland boot alternative! It’s by Charles by Charles David and currently on sale for less than $80 at Last Call by Neiman Marcus (retail price: $159) and comes in black, taupe, merlot red or dove grey microsuede.

Dolce Vita “Neely” Flat Over-The-Knee Boots

My personal favorite first: the “Neely” boot from Dolce Vita, a spot-on “Lowland” dupe with very positive customer reviews for roughly 1/4 of the real deal’s price. At $200, it sure isn’t a steal find and probably won’t be an impulse buy for anyone here, but if you like the style I suggest you better hurry up with your purchase.

Aldo “Barra” Lace-Back Suede Over-The-Knee Boots

Next up is a boot by Aldo. “Barra” is also spot-on in terms of design when compared to the Lowland. It’s $110 cheaper than the Dolce Vita version, but the reviews for this one are also rather mixed. Anyway, if you want to give it a try, these boots come in either taupe or black suede.

Steve Madden “Odina” Flat Suede Over-The-Knee Boots

Of course Steve Madden couldn’t miss the opportunity to join in on this knock-off game as well! “Odina”, like the other Lowland look-alikes above, is nearly identical to the real deal, but costs only $149.95$75 ( on sale!). Though I do have to add that this boot has a fabric upper unlike the dupes above which are made of genuine leather.

Choies Stretch Suedette Over-The-Knee Boots

Still not in the mood to pay that much for faux leather boots? Well, then how about these Lowland dupes by Choies for a little over $50? Same design, veeeeery different price tag and the customers seem to love this one, too.

Schutz “Lois” Suede Flat Over-The-Knee Boots

And lastly, Schutz. Another absolutely fabulous and spot-on look for less alternative for Stuart Weitzman’s “Lowland”. And not too expensive either at $125 (sale price!) as well! Unfortunately though, they’re almost sold out at Shopbop and I couldn’t find any other retailer stocking this beautiful boot (boohoo!).

Seems like we can’t catch a break from satin slides at the moment and to be honest with you: I don’t really mind! There’s just something so effortlessly chic about slipping into a pair of delicate satin mules, don’t you agree? A few days ago, I was looking through the newest arrivals at my favorite online shops when I saw a picture of Dolce Vita’s “Henry” Cross-Strap Satin Mules. The design seemed instantly familiar to me, but I couldn’t put my finger on the designer inspiration right away. So I kept on browsing while my brain was doing its usual shoe memory scanning process in the background. And suddenly it just hit me that the Dolce Vita design was a lovely hybrid of Gucci’s “Webby” High Heel Mule from last year and Gianvito Rossi’s “Barth” Sandal Slides which we have already featured here in a previous blog post. Copycat math has striked once again! And I must admit: $595 + $645 = $130 is exactly the kind of shopping math that I like!

Acne‘s “Pistol” ankle boot is pretty much the “It” shoe of the fashion blogosphere because it’s either in every style blogger’s wardrobe or at least on their wish list. Apparently the appeal is partly due to the fact that Acne makes great quality footwear and most bloggers say they were totally worth the investment. At first I didn’t really see why these simple boots were so highly coveted, but the more I look at them the more I start to like them.

Celebrities Love Acne

Old Navy Faux-Leather Side-Zip Boots

Update (12/29/2016): I was browsing through Old Navy‘s latest arrivals today and discovered these fab Acne Pistol look-alike booties! The tan faux leather version is even currently on sale for $26.99! Steal deal alert!

Lipstik “Middle” Zip Ankle Boots

Fashion Focus Palma-3 Tassel Double Side Zip Dress Ankle Booties

Update (11/02/2015): Spotted another lovely and super budget-friendly Acne Pistol boot alternative today! By Fashion Focus, available in black, brown and cognac faux leather and currently on sale for $32.99.

Forever 21 Zippered Faux Leather Booties

Update (07/22/2015): Great news everyone! Forever 21‘s fantastic and wallet-friendly Acne Pistol boot dupes have finally been restocked! Get them for $27.90 in either black, brown or wine faux leather.

Dune “Platter” Zip Ankle Boots

Update (08/08/2014): Is it possible to be more on point with the design than Dune‘s “Platter” boots? I highly doubt so. It’s unbelievably close to the real Acne Pistol boots, don’t you agree? I can’t comment on their quality, but the almost identical design is definitely stunning and so is the budget-friendly price ($70.99!). Available in either black or brown leather.

Topshop “ANGEL” Leather Heeled Boots

Update (01/19/2014): Accidentally came across these zip ankle boots by Topshop today and they instantly reminded me of the iconic Acne Pistol boots. The heel on these here is higher, but that can’t be a bad thing, right? Also available in black suede and brown leather.

Chelsea Crew “Hull” Zip Ankle Boots

Update (09/29/2012): Good news! Another fabulous and budget-friendly Acne Pistol boot knockoff has popped up. Check out these zip booties by Chelsea Crew. Also available in olive green and beige faux snake.

Topshop “MIGHTY” Leather Zip Boots

Update (07/20/2012): Phew! This is the 20th Acne Pistol boot look-a-like we have listed here in this Real vs. Steal post. These Topshop booties look strangely identical with the “AMBUSH” ones found below which were one of the first Acne Pistol knockoffs to pop up only the “MIGHTY” boots are only $90 instead of $150. Yay for that!

Steven by Steve Madden “PARADOXX” Ankle Boots

Update (03/07/2012): The Holy Grail has been found! Finally! I really don’t think you’ll find a better Acne Pistol boot look-a-like than these almost identical Steven by Steve Madden zip ankle boots. I even hyperventilated a little when I first saw them on the Steve Madden website. You better make your order ASAP because I’m 100% certain these are going to sell out quickly.

Dorothy Perkins Zip Ankle Boots

BP. “Trolley” Ankle Boots

Update (12/05/2011): One of our readers, JRD, found this super similar Pistol boot look-a-like by BP. which costs a little under $75 (sale price!) and is available in various colors and uppers. Thanks for the great find, JRD!

Dolce Vita “Jax” Booties

Update (11/15/2011): Woohoo, found another fantastic though slightly pricey Acne boot alternative. These Dolce Vita tassel booties come in either black, brown or cognac. They’re selling pretty quick, so you better hurry if you fancy this boot style. P.S.: I bought these booties recently and now am pretty much wearing them to death! Big shoe love here!

Topshop “AMBUSH” Side Zip Boots

Thank Topshop for bringing Acne to the masses. Their Pistol boot look-a-like is almost just as fabulous as the original and I’m currently debating whether I should try these boots myself to see if they can become my go-to ankle boots for this Fall and Winter. Also check out the other colors and variations of the “AMBUSH” boots.

So let me be honest with you. At first, I kind of hated Christian Louboutin‘s Daffodile pumps. They looked too stripperish, too high, just totally OTT. However, the more I saw these extreme platform pumps being flaunted by celebs on and off the red carpet the more I started to like them. Not sure what changed my mind about these… maybe the extra few inches gained by wearing these sky-high beauties? I’m not sure, but I do know that I certainly don’t like the $995 price tag attached to these designer heels.